Caroline Dubois has vowed yet again to knock out Terri Harper in clinical fashion on Sunday. She will have problems should she fail, warned the latter.
The icy confidence of Dubois was greeted by the stern composure of Harper amid what has been a fiery build-up to their unification clash, Friday’s final press conference concluding with a brush of flexing arms that would prompt security to rush in as the pair posed for tight-knit photos on stage.
Dubois has orchestrated much of the verbal back and forth ahead of their meeting, but it had been the turn of Harper to assert her presence this week as she shoved her opponent at their first fight-week face-off.
As they exchanged final words both played down any personal animosity, Dubois standing by her more vocal pursuit of an edge and Harper questioning her rival’s mentality.
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The bad blood between Dubois and Harper continued at the media workouts with both fighters giving their version of Wednesday’s face-off shove
“I’ve won every battle since the moment this fight was signed, I’ll continue to win every battle, come fight night I’ll win the battle,” said Dubois.
“This is war, there is absolutely no way my hand isn’t being raised on Sunday.
“This fight is not going past seven rounds.”
Harper, the WBO lightweight champion, at one stage joked that her microphone could be switched off, such was Dubois’ ability to do all the talking. Dubois swiftly approved the idea, more than happy to accept the lead.
For the purposes of preserving an absorbing atmosphere, the mic remained on.
“Caroline needs to hope she gets the knockout, otherwise she knows she’s in trouble,” she said.
“Caroline says talk is cheap but that’s all she’s doing the last 12 weeks. I’ve been fully focused on the job I have to do Sunday.
“I’ve been quiet on my socials, Caroline has been arguing online, getting sucked into everything and I feel like she’s overlooked this fight.”
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Tensions were high between Harper and Dubois as the pair get ever closer to their unification bout on Sunday
Harper described WBC belt holder Dubois as the best fighter she will have faced on a resume that also includes Alycia Baumgardner, Sandy Ryan, Natasha Jonas and Cecilia Braekhus, but dismissed her opponent’s suggestion that she must earn her respect.
Having primarily taken a backseat during the build-up, Harper has used this week to leave her own mark.
“I’m just making her aware I’m not here to make up the numbers,” she said. “I feel there’s only so much you can let her get away with without standing up for yourself.
“She tried to push me, she’s a lot weaker than I imagine.
“Her mindset [is her weakness], she gets too emotionally invested and caught up with everything. It will be who keeps their head and stays disciplined.
“I’ve experienced everything you can as a fighter and Caroline hasn’t yet, she’ll have to answer some questions.”
Dubois retained her love for the noise and clamour ahead of a fight night, favouring the chance to fuel a fire rather than put it out.
“Win by any means, the minute you sign for this fight it’s psychological warfare, physical warfare. You do anything to get that edge on fight night,” she explained.
“I’ve gone after the most experienced and biggest women in the division. On paper she’s my toughest challenge.
“I don’t see how it makes me a bully, I’m a challenger, I’m a fighter. I thrive off challenge and pressure.
“I think she’s been trying to copy me, she knows I’m taking the limelight, it’s the Caroline Dubois show. She wants to make it more about her. I’m not going to dim myself to give her more space.
“Her weakness is she’s just not as good as me. Forget power, she’s not as good a boxer as I am.”
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Dubois trash talks Harper in a fiery exchange at their press conference back in February
Harper explained that she plans to tackle fire by fire and meet Dubois in the middle of the ring, admitting the first half of the fight is where her younger rival will be most dangerous.
She pointed towards her engine in the latter rounds of the contest as one of her key advantages.
“That’s a bid sad,” replied Dubois. “I would hate to be going into a fight thinking all I have is an engine. That’s a scary place to be. All she has is an engine.
“We got skills, power, a jab, grew up sparring only guys, had my first female spar when I was 16.
“I’d love it to get ugly, it’s going to be great, I hope she comes, I believe she boxes on the back foot and I have to go get her.”
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Dubois admitted Harper could be the “nicest woman in the world” as she waved off any personal dislike for the 29-year-old. She simply sees a threat standing in the way of herself and aspirations of conquering the world of women’s boxing.
“Talking isn’t going to win or lose a fight. What I love about boxing is anything you say you have to back up,” said Dubois.
“We’re fighters, we step into the ring and 100 per cent back up our words. From my side there is no animosity, it’s a rivalry, she believes she’ll take everything I’ve worked for since I was nine and that she’ll stop me in my tracks and prevent me from moving onto what I believe are bigger and better fights and moments.
“That’s the rivalry, that’s where it comes from.”
Watch Caroline Dubois vs Terri Harper this Sunday live on Sky Sports from 7pm.